In early 2005, Richard Polsky decided to put his much-loved, hard-won Warhol Fright Wig, up for auction at Christie's. The market for contemporary ...
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reviews
May 27, 2010
David
rated it: 
chatty, fairly funny book by a contemporary art dealer about changes in the business that have, on the whole, made it less enjoyable for him. Dramatic rise in prices of the most desired works made it impossible for him to continue either to:
(a) collect the art himself, gradually improving what he owned by identifying good stuff before the artist was hot, reselling at a big profit, etc. [title refers to an Andy Warhol self-portrait he sold for 375,000 that was later worth something l More...
(a) collect the art himself, gradually improving what he owned by identifying good stuff before the artist was hot, reselling at a big profit, etc. [title refers to an Andy Warhol self-portrait he sold for 375,000 that was later worth something l More...
Oct 14, 2009
Tripp
rated it: 
When they work, I really like books about jobs and what it is like to experience thsm. As someone who has worked almost entirely in offices, I don't have a good sense of what a day is like for a fire fighter or a park ranger. Two books that managed to explain a job while also telling good stories are the Last Season, a book about backwoods rangers, and Book, a collection of essays about life in the book trade.
Just as entertaining and informative is Richard Polsky's I Sold Andy Warhol More...
Just as entertaining and informative is Richard Polsky's I Sold Andy Warhol More...
Aug 31, 2010
Olivia
rated it: 
2 stars because of the moments of interesting things that happened and some neat stories provided. Minus three stars because of the boredom it caused and the amount of "$" that are on each page.
While taking a break from fiction, I chose this book because of the 'real' account of the art world it provided (dealers, collectors, the like). It was interesting how Polsky kept returning to particular pieces of art (namely Warhols), updating the reader on price changes, the 'art economy More...
While taking a break from fiction, I chose this book because of the 'real' account of the art world it provided (dealers, collectors, the like). It was interesting how Polsky kept returning to particular pieces of art (namely Warhols), updating the reader on price changes, the 'art economy More...
Feb 08, 2010
Rahim
rated it:
This only made it to 3 stars because I enjoy art topics. But overall the book seemed more like the author was just trying to name drop, ironically a characteristic he at times criticizes in others in the art world. It gives an overview of the crazy rise in art prices over the past 20 years and the eventual bust but it wasn't that exciting. The last quarter of the book finally had a bit of suspense and held interest to find out the result, but the bust cycle was only discussed in the epilogue...
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Aug 31, 2010
Alana
rated it:
I received a free review copy of this novel from the publisher AND bought a copy, FTC. Make of that what you will.
In 2003, Richard Polsky published a memoir called I Bought Andy Warhol - all about his search for his 'dream painting', an Andy Warhol Fright Wig in electric green. Now, Polsky tells us about his (reluctant) decision to sell the painting - right before the art market exploded to bring unheard-of prices. With prices of art soaring, he finds dealing in art to be increasing More...
In 2003, Richard Polsky published a memoir called I Bought Andy Warhol - all about his search for his 'dream painting', an Andy Warhol Fright Wig in electric green. Now, Polsky tells us about his (reluctant) decision to sell the painting - right before the art market exploded to bring unheard-of prices. With prices of art soaring, he finds dealing in art to be increasing More...
Apr 11, 2011
Tommy Bat-Blog
rated it: 
This book is the sequel to "I Bought Warhol" & I really suggest reading it before you read this one. But other than that this book is quite enjoyable on it's own. Basically, the Author shares his personal story about how he had to sell a Andy Warhol painting he owned so he could get his life back together. There's a ton of inside information here about the Art Market's ups & downs. Overall I really liked it, a lot. I feel pretty good about suggesting it to anybody who loves Art or is a
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Jan 04, 2010
Olivia
rated it:
Entertaining, if a bit disorganized. Additionally, Polsky gives himself a good deal of credit for what is merely 20/20 hindsight. Approach this as a novel, and expect little weight regarding the current market.
That being said, I can't get enough art market lore. Addicted. This book paints rather accurately the amusing characters who inhabit that world--particularly Polsky himself.
That being said, I can't get enough art market lore. Addicted. This book paints rather accurately the amusing characters who inhabit that world--particularly Polsky himself.
Dec 29, 2009
Mary
rated it:
This book is fun, an easy read, and is loaded with funny art dealer stories. My favorite part is when the author pins the fact that one of my dealers has a naughty habit of constantly looking not at women's faces when he speaks to them. If you love the wacky world of dealers or just want to learn more about how art deals happen behind the scenes, pick this one up.
Jul 26, 2009
Paul
rated it:
Oh what fun!! Bubble economics + delicious art world gossip, vividly told by an opinionated, articulate insider. I would say this is a guilty pleasure, but - hey - I'm not feeling any guilt. Perfect one-sit entertainment.
Jan 15, 2010
Britt
rated it:
trashy and breezy like the first one, but not quite as good. chronicles the bubble of the late 2000s nicely. but it feels more filled with personal score-settling/complimenting.
Jan 12, 2010
Hope
rated it:
Fun look into the art world (the buying end, of course)- Polsky keeps you anticipating each deal. The art market ended up sounding a bit like real estate (though the economic crash's effect isn't covered here).
Jan 08, 2012
Snail in Danger (Sid)
rated it:
Dates approximate. I remember it as an interesting look at art-as-business.
Feb 03, 2011
Jasmine
rated it:
Great book! Had to put it down because I'm more interested in Fiction. Maybe I will pick it back up in the summer.
Jan 30, 2012
Nov 30, 2011
Oct 05, 2011
